Things to Do in the DMV This Month

Posted on September 3, 2026 | Posted in Lifestyle
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The sun may be setting on summer, but the Capital Region is just getting started when it comes to vibrantly colored vistas, cozy allure, and pumpkin-spice everything. Whether you’re looking for showstopping theater, live music, family-driven activities, cultural diversions, or autumn-inspired attractions to kick off the season, here’s a roundup of the top events happening this September across DC, Virginia, and Maryland!

Want more of DC’s best? Check out the Lifestyle Section of our blog to discover everything at your fingertips, from the coolest places to grab a cocktail to the latest after-school programs for kids.


DC

DC Jazz Fest | September 2–6 | The Wharf & Downtown
Catch jazz artists Dan Murray, Herb Scott, and more as DC Jazz Fest fills venues across the city with five days of live music.

DC State Fair | September 6 | Downtown
Celebrate all things DC with food, art, agriculture, contests, and plenty of family-friendly fun at this annual local tradition.

Venus | September 9–October 4 | Penn Quarter
Dating gets dark, funny, and complicated in Venus, a sharp new comedy taking the stage at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

Robyn | September 9 | The Wharf
Dance the night away with Robyn at The Anthem, with the concert also raising funds for social and environmental nonprofit PLUS1.

National Gallery Nights: American Icons | September 10 | National Gallery of Art
National Gallery Nights returns for fall with “American Icons”, an after-hours celebration of art, music, and culture. Admission is free, but you’ll need to enter the ticket lottery from August 31 through September 3.

Step Afrika!: The Fruits of Our Labor | September 10–November 1 | Southwest DC
DC’s own Step Afrika! celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a powerful new production blending movement, rhythm, history, and storytelling.

Come From Away | September 10–October 18 | Penn Quarter
The heartwarming true story of a small town that welcomed thousands of stranded travelers after September 11 comes to Ford’s Theatre.

Art All Night | September 11–12 | Multiple DC Locations
DC stays up late for the 15th annual Art All Night, bringing painting, photography, fashion, music, food, and more to neighborhoods across the city.

The Score | September 11–October 18 | Downtown
Succession star Brian Cox takes the lead in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s The Score, bringing some serious star power to the DC stage.

A Beautiful Blue Morning Sky | September 11–13 | Dupont Circle
Keegan Theatre premieres a moving concert experience that tells stories of September 11 through music and memory.

Adams Morgan Day | September 13 | Adams Morgan
One of DC’s favorite neighborhood festivals returns with live music, local art, family entertainment, food, and plenty of reasons to spend the day on 18th Street.

Routed West | Opens September 18 | Downtown
Explore the history and artistry of African American quiltmaking in California through Routed West, a new exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

H Street Festival | September 19 | H Street Corridor
Eat, shop, and explore your way down H Street during this massive neighborhood celebration packed with local vendors, fashion, contests, and kids’ activities.

WalkingTown DC | September 19–26 | Various DC Locations
See the city from a new perspective with free guided walking tours diving into DC’s neighborhoods, architecture, culture, and history.

Aespa | September 22 | Capital One Arena
K-pop powerhouse Aespa brings its futuristic sound, hyperpop energy, and massive stage presence to Capital One Arena.

Measure for Measure | September 22–November 1 | Capitol Hill
Helen Hayes Award winner Psalmayene 24 directs Shakespeare’s provocative comedy Measure for Measure at Folger Theatre.

Wish You Were Here | September 23–November 1 | Logan Circle
Studio Theatre invites audiences into a moving Iranian story about friendship, change, and the relationships that endure through it all.

Theatre Week | September 24–October 11 | Various DC-Area Theaters
Want to make it a theater night without blowing the budget? Theatre Week returns with discounted tickets to performances across the DC region.

The Reunion | September 24–27 | National Museum of African American History and Culture
Celebrate 10 years of the National Museum of African American History and Culture with a special anniversary weekend honoring its history, community, and impact.

Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show | September 25–27 | Arts and Industries Building
Upgrade your fall wardrobe with one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, scarves, handbags, and other wearable works of art from talented makers.

Fiesta DC | September 26–27 | Downtown
Celebrate Latino culture with traditional fashion, live music, folk dancing, food, and a colorful parade along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Charli XCX | September 28 | Capital One Arena
Charli XCX brings her latest sound to DC for a Capital One showdown packed with pop, fashion, spectacle, and plenty of attitude.


➤ Discover even more DC gems with these posts next:


VIRGINIA

Hook in Concert | September 5 | Wolf Trap
Rediscover the magic of Hook on the big screen while the National Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ soaring score live.

Something Wonderful: Broadway’s Leading Ladies | September 8–20 | Arlington
Signature Theatre salutes Broadway’s legendary leading ladies with a musical celebration of the women who defined the Golden Age.

Watermelon Pickers’ Fest | September 10–12 | Berryville
Head to the country for a weekend of bluegrass, folk, country, and Americana at this laid-back Virginia music festival.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest | September 12 | Arlington
Grab a spot outside and settle in for a free afternoon of contemporary jazz performances in the heart of Rosslyn.

Falls Church Festival | September 19 | Falls Church
Falls Church’s signature community festival turns 50 with live entertainment, local art, family fun, and plenty to taste along the way.

Cox Farms Fall Festival | September 19–November 8 | Centreville
Bring the kids for giant slides, rope swings, farm animals, tractor fun, and all the classic fall festivities Cox Farms is known for.

Mosaic Fall Festival | September 25–26 | Fairfax
Welcome fall with seasonal bites from FRESHFARM vendors, plus handmade goods, vintage finds, and plenty of shopping from URBNmarket.

State Fair of Virginia | September 25–October 4 | Doswell
Savor a throwback day of carnival rides, farm animals, live entertainment, fair food, competitions, and classic state fair fun.

Lovettsville Oktoberfest | September 26 | Lovettsville
Break out the lederhosen and dirndls for a full day of German food, music, dancing, and Oktoberfest festivities in Lovettsville.

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival | September 26–27 | Alexandria
Stroll through Old Town while browsing juried works from artists showcasing sculpture, painting, jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more.


➤ Looking for more great spots to sample the DC scene? Start with these posts next:


MARYLAND

Insecure: The 10th Anniversary Tour | September 11 | National Harbor
Celebrate 10 years of Insecure with the cast of HBO’s hit comedy during a special anniversary tour stop at National Harbor.

Charles County Fair | September 17–20 | La Plata
Go full county fair with carnival rides, live music, animal competitions, classic fair food, and family-friendly entertainment.

Ukrainian Festival | September 18–20 | Silver Spring
Celebrate Ukrainian culture with traditional dancing, crafts, food, kids’ activities, face painting, and a lively beer garden.

All Things Go Music Festival | September 25–27 | Columbia
Spend three days at Merriweather Post Pavilion with a stacked lineup featuring Ethel Cain, Brandi Carlile, Mitski, and more.

Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival | September 27 | Wheaton
Watch Wheaton’s streets come alive with a creative art parade, then stick around to browse local artists, makers, and vendors.

Takoma Park Folk Festival | September 27 | Takoma Park
Catch live folk music across multiple stages at this free community festival celebrating musicians from across the region.


Curious about more than just local events and happenings? For all your DMV real estate needs, we’re here to help! Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com.

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